Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Gravy

Are you ready to say goodbye to dry, flavorless meatballs forever? I certainly was! For years, I struggled to achieve that perfect balance of moistness and flavor, especially when using ground turkey. But fear not, my friends, because I’ve finally cracked the code. This recipe for Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Gravy will transform your weeknight dinners and leave everyone craving more. The secret? Simmering the meatballs in a luscious cranberry gravy, ensuring they stay juicy and absorb all that wonderful flavor. Get ready for the best turkey meatballs you’ve ever tasted!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Meatballs Recipe

These aren’t your average meatballs. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

• Incredibly Moist: The simmering-in-gravy technique guarantees tender, juicy meatballs every time.
• Flavorful Gravy: The cranberry gravy is a delightful combination of sweet and savory, perfectly complementing the turkey.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple, using common ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious meatball bowls all week long!
• A Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will love these meatballs.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Gravy

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these meatballs so special. We’re aiming for a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, with a focus on keeping things moist and flavorful. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect final result. For the base of these amazing Turkey Meatballs, we use high-quality ground turkey. Be sure to get the one that isn’t too lean for the best results. You’ll also need some good-quality butter. Now, let’s get into the specifics!

• For the Turkey Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground turkey: This is the star of the show! Choose a blend that isn’t too lean to ensure optimal moisture.
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs: These act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape.
  • 1/4 cup milk or chicken broth: Adding liquid is key to keeping the meatballs moist. Chicken broth will add a more savory depth to the meatballs.
  • 1 large egg: Another binder that also contributes to moisture and richness.
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion: Provides a subtle savory flavor that complements the turkey.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic touch.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This earthy herb enhances the savory notes of the turkey and gravy.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial! Don’t be shy.
  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil or butter: For browning the meatballs. Butter will add a richer flavor.
• For the Cranberry Gravy:
  • 2 tablespoons butter: Used to create a rich and flavorful roux as the base for the gravy.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth: The liquid base of the gravy. Turkey broth will enhance the turkey flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Season the gravy to your liking.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add a burst of sweetness and tartness that balances the savory flavors.
  • Fresh thyme or parsley sprigs for garnish: Adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Crafting Your Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Gravy: Step-by-Step

Ready to get cooking? Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is all about simple techniques and building layers of flavor. The most important thing to remember is to avoid overmixing the meatball mixture – that’s the key to preventing dryness. Let’s walk through it together, step by step.

1. Combine the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk or broth, egg, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. The key here is to mix just until combined. Overmixing makes the meatballs tough. Use your hands for the best, most gentle results.
2. Roll the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in size. Avoid packing them too tightly. Gently roll them between your palms until they’re nicely rounded.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat neutral cooking oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage, just get a nice brown crust. This browning process adds a ton of flavor. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
4. Set the Meatballs Aside: Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
5. Make the Roux: In the same skillet (don’t wash it – all those browned bits add flavor!), melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to make a roux. The roux is the foundation of your gravy, so make sure to cook it long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste, but not so long that it burns.
6. Create the Gravy: Gradually whisk in the chicken or turkey broth, stirring until smooth. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring until it thickens to your desired consistency. Whisking constantly prevents lumps from forming.
7. Add the Meatballs and Cranberries: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Add the dried cranberries.
8. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Simmering them directly in the gravy is the secret to keeping them incredibly moist and infusing them with flavor as they finish cooking.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, spooning plenty of gravy and cranberries over the meatballs. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley sprigs for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs Every Time

Want to guarantee meatball success? Here are a few of my top tips:

• Don’t Overmix: This is the most important tip! Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and makes the meatballs tough.
• Use Moist Hands: Lightly wet your hands before rolling the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Brown in Batches: Overcrowding the pan will steam the meatballs instead of browning them.
• Adjust the Gravy: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.
• Add a Touch of Spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the gravy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

What to Serve With Turkey Meatballs and Cranberry Gravy

These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up all that delicious gravy.
• Rice: Serve over white or golden rice pilaf for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
• Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a comforting and easy dinner.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal.
• Salad: A fresh green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the meatballs.

Your Turkey Meatballs Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, you can! Add the frozen cranberries to the gravy during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Be aware they may add a little more liquid to the gravy, so simmer a little longer if needed to reach your desired thickness.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also make the gravy ahead of time and store it separately.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes! Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What if I don’t have dried thyme?

You can substitute dried thyme with other herbs like dried rosemary or sage, or Italian seasoning. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

My gravy is too thick, what do I do?

Simply whisk in a little more chicken or turkey broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Enjoy Your Homemade Turkey Meatballs!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for incredibly moist and flavorful Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Gravy. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! I love hearing your feedback. And if you try any variations, be sure to share those too. Happy cooking!